The author here offers a "multicausal theory to explain the development of the patriarchical system.She seeks to show that the subordination of women is a historical (i.e., changeable) phenomenon, not a natural one.Lerner posits that division of labor by sex occurred early but that the oppression ofwomen began with the emergence of agriculture; the domination of women, she argues, preceded and served as the foundation for the origin of private property and the state and the institutionalization of slavery."(Libr J)Bibliography.Index.

The author here offers a "multicausal theory to explain the development of the patriarchical system.She seeks to show that the subordination of women is a historical (i.e., changeable) phenomenon, not a natural one.Lerner posits that division of labor by sex occurred early but that the oppression ofwomen began with the emergence of agriculture; the domination of women, she argues, preceded and served as the foundation for the origin of private property and the state and the institutionalization of slavery."(Libr J)Bibliography.Index.